What I Would Wear: iPhone 3.0 Software Launch

I just watched the iPhone 3 Software Launch.

As I prepare to jump ship and invest in my first iPhone (4/1), I’ve been paying close attention to all the buzz. Along with the rest of the world, I was very happy to learn they’ve instituted cut, copy, and paste, but while watching the announcement, I couldn’t shake the thought that these men, speaking in front of millions of people, all look terrible.

I understand Silicon Valley’s need or desire to appear casual. It’s cool. I get it, but failing to take time to give a bit of thought to what you’re going to look like for a hotly anticipated presentation, one that will be watched by millions, is a bit like going to battle without your armor.

Of all the men who presented, Apple’s Greg Joswiak, wins best dressed, and that’s by default. At the very least, his staid striped shirt fit, his dad-approved denim was not the loosest-fitting of the crew, and he was fairly well-kempt (i.e. shave and a haircut). But Mr. Joswiak, if I may, just tuck in your shirt; now, leave it there for an hour and a half.

Images of the launch c/o engadget

If I had any reason to speak in front of people in Cupertino, California today, this is what I would have worn,* for better or worse.

*Let me begin by setting a few ground rules. Based on those in attendance, I gathered denim is fare game, but tennis shoes are not. No one wore a tie, and the only jackets were an ill-fitting suit jacket and a velour job.  I don’t foresee a velour jacket purchase any time soon, and if I was the only guy wearing a suit jacket that fit, I’d probably take it off.

Ryan Huber and his partners at Madison, Wisconsin’s Context provided a great base with this look. The military shirt is from Apolis Activism. The jeans are the New Standard from APC. I have wanted the Pelican Belt from F.M. Allen ever since seeing it on Hollister’s blog. If I were invited to speak at Apple’s headquarters, I’d treat myself to a new belt.

I found an old pair of Florsheim wingtips in the dusty basement of a theatre when I was in college. I’ve been told they’re from the sixties. I have worn the soles out two or three times. I will continue to do so until someone begs me to stop. A pair of Kenmoor from Florsheim’s Imperial line look awfully similar, and they are well-priced.

To keep myself honest, I’d wear Emmett Brown’s plutonic undershirt and Casio’s Databank Watch, Model DBC-610G-1DF.

Miniot, a Holland-based company Porter Hovey brought to my attention, make fine wooden cases for iPod and iPhone products.

Keep it simple. Have a little fun. Look the part. Buy clothes that fit you. That’s all for now. I’m allplaidout.

Special thanks to Joe G. for the idea.